Olympian Jordan Chiles speaks out about medal controversy
Olympic Bronze Medalist Jordan Childs’ Year of Heartbreak and Controversy
For Jordan Childs, the past year has been a rollercoaster of emotions, from the joy of an unexpected Olympic bronze medal to the heartbreak of having it stripped away just days later. The gymnast’s journey has been marred by controversy and backlash on social media, including racist comments.
The Unexpected Bronze
Childs finished in fifth place in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics, but her coach challenged the score, which was later revised, awarding Childs the bronze medal. The historic moment marked the first all-black podium in the sport, a feat that Childs is still proud of today.
The Ruling and the Backlash
However, the joy was short-lived. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that Team USA’s challenge was made four seconds too late, stripping Childs of her bronze medal and awarding it to Romanian gymnast Anna Barbosu instead. The decision sparked outrage and backlash on social media, with many fans and fellow athletes expressing their support for Childs.
The Appeal and the Evidence
Childs’ legal team has appealed the CAS decision to the Swiss Supreme Court, submitting evidence that they claim proves Childs’ coach challenged the score within the required minute. A video shot by a team from Netflix, which was following Simone Biles, appears to show Childs’ coach challenging the score within the allotted time.
The Ongoing Case
Despite the evidence, neither CAS nor the Swiss Court has commented on the ongoing case. Childs has expressed her desire for the court to acknowledge her achievement and recognize her as the rightful bronze medalist.
The Medal and the Legacy
In a recent interview, Childs was asked about the medal, to which she replied, "I have the medal, oh well, okay then, done and done." While the medal may be in her possession, Childs’ focus is on having her achievement recognized and acknowledged.
For Jordan Childs, the past year has been a difficult and emotional journey. From the joy of an unexpected bronze medal to the heartbreak of having it stripped away, Childs has faced challenges and controversy at every turn. As the case continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Childs’ legacy as a gymnast and a trailblazer will not be defined by this one moment, but by her perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
